Oneida County Notebook

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Oneida County Comptroller Joseph J. Timpano report that Oneida County's fiscal position at the end of 2012 show that the county has achieved an unaudited operating surplus of $8.4 Million.

"We have ended the year with a budget surplus for the sixth straight year by practicing good government and commitment to fiscal responsibility. Despite increasing state and federal mandates on our county and a decrease in state and federal dollars we have put Oneida County in a solid financial position."

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In 2012, the County had anticipated an operating deficit of $1.8 Million, but ended the year with an $8.4 million surplus. Contributing factors for the surplus are a culmination of reduced payroll, retirement amortization and sales tax revenue being higher than anticipated. However, the major factor is Oneida County government operating leaner and more efficient than it has been in the past. The surplus will be used to increase funding for economic development projects, retirement costs, future health care costs and uncertainties from the Affordable Health Care Act and the restricted accounts for Fiscal Stability.

Picente added, "This is expense driven. We have kept expenses down while improving our local economy which has resulted in increased sales tax revenue and a surplus. We hear politicians in Washington and Albany talk about crippling debt that is being passed on to our children and grandchildren; not here in Oneida County. Oneida County is in the black and building a better future for those children and grandchildren.

Sangertown Event Commemorates: National Mental Health Month

As part of National Mental Health Month observed throughout the month of May, the Oneida County Mental Health Coalition is holding a one-day event intended to familiarize residents with the many community resources available to those with mental health issues, and their families. "Managing Your Emotions in Disaster" will feature booths staffed by mental health providers sharing informational material in Sangertown Square's Center Court (located off state Routes 5 and 5A in New Hartford) on Wednesday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year, the Oneida County Health Department and the Red Cross will participate in the event by providing information on Disaster Planning.

"As we've seen all too often, disasters and emergencies can occur anywhere without warning and prove to be traumatizing for everyone involved," Lisa Worden, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Oneida County Health Department said. She continued, "While coping in the aftermath of a disaster can be difficult for anyone, it can be particularly stressful for those already dealing with mental health or emotional issues. This event is designed to familiarize area residents with support services available in Oneida County."

Those who visit the booths can enter to win a free emergency preparedness kit which includes a first-aid kit, surgical gloves, a waterproof document holder, light sticks, and a hand-crank weather radio.